MONROE - Before the Green County YMCA Blaze football program kicks off their football season there could be a new look to the field.
Monroe freshman Ben Becker has raised more than $10,500 to have a press box built for the Green County YMCA Blaze football program and other sports organizations. Becker held a ground-breaking ceremony for the press box on Tuesday.
Becker, a Troop 101 Life Scout, built the press box as part of his Eagle Scout project. He raised the money to pay for it through fundraisers at restaurants, donations, private donations and companies offering their services to build the press box for free or at reduced rates. He's still selling "Press to Play" T-shirts for $10.
Becker can't play football. He was born with Shone's Complex, a rare form of congenital heart disease. But he will serve as the manager for the Monroe varsity football team this fall. And through his dedication, he's leaving a lasting impression for the Blaze program.
"I want to make a difference in some kids' life," Becker said. "If it's just one kid, it's worth it. It's a big accomplishment. I knew I could do it. The hard part is done."
The 16-by-20 two-story wooden press box will provide an ideal area for coaches and teams. It's expected to be complete by Labor Day and could be ready for the first week of the Blaze football season, which is the second week of September.
The press box will serve as a much safer alternative for those who videotape games and coaches who draw up plays. The bottom level of the press box will be used for storage.
Aaron Phillips, executive director of the Green County YMCA, said he is looking forward to having the press box added to the field.
"It's absolutely wonderful," Phillips said. "As with any big project it takes time. This is the final step to show this will happen. This is another way to show how supportive the community is. The combination of the Y and an Eagle Scout project really made this happen. Those are two strong organizations."
The press box isn't only for football. Phillips said the YMCA's youth soccer and the Super Slugger T-ball programs will also be able to use it.
"It doesn't just benefit football," Becker said. "The lower level will have storage for whatever sport is in season."
Curt Elmer, the co-director of the Blaze football program, said he was excited that Becker was able to generate the fundraising needed along with vital community support.
"To see the final plans is awe striking, for sure," Elmer said.
Elmer said the original plan, several years ago, was to have a press box built onto the pavilion, but the program at the time was fundraising for the goal posts.
"It's a great tool," Elmer said of the structure. "We can get our cameras higher to show them what they are doing on tape. It gives the announcers and coaches another angle."
Elmer said he hopes the press box is ready for the season opener.
"It's exciting," he said. "It's something we wanted for a long time. We want it to be a great experience for anyone coming to play on this field."
Monroe freshman Ben Becker has raised more than $10,500 to have a press box built for the Green County YMCA Blaze football program and other sports organizations. Becker held a ground-breaking ceremony for the press box on Tuesday.
Becker, a Troop 101 Life Scout, built the press box as part of his Eagle Scout project. He raised the money to pay for it through fundraisers at restaurants, donations, private donations and companies offering their services to build the press box for free or at reduced rates. He's still selling "Press to Play" T-shirts for $10.
Becker can't play football. He was born with Shone's Complex, a rare form of congenital heart disease. But he will serve as the manager for the Monroe varsity football team this fall. And through his dedication, he's leaving a lasting impression for the Blaze program.
"I want to make a difference in some kids' life," Becker said. "If it's just one kid, it's worth it. It's a big accomplishment. I knew I could do it. The hard part is done."
The 16-by-20 two-story wooden press box will provide an ideal area for coaches and teams. It's expected to be complete by Labor Day and could be ready for the first week of the Blaze football season, which is the second week of September.
The press box will serve as a much safer alternative for those who videotape games and coaches who draw up plays. The bottom level of the press box will be used for storage.
Aaron Phillips, executive director of the Green County YMCA, said he is looking forward to having the press box added to the field.
"It's absolutely wonderful," Phillips said. "As with any big project it takes time. This is the final step to show this will happen. This is another way to show how supportive the community is. The combination of the Y and an Eagle Scout project really made this happen. Those are two strong organizations."
The press box isn't only for football. Phillips said the YMCA's youth soccer and the Super Slugger T-ball programs will also be able to use it.
"It doesn't just benefit football," Becker said. "The lower level will have storage for whatever sport is in season."
Curt Elmer, the co-director of the Blaze football program, said he was excited that Becker was able to generate the fundraising needed along with vital community support.
"To see the final plans is awe striking, for sure," Elmer said.
Elmer said the original plan, several years ago, was to have a press box built onto the pavilion, but the program at the time was fundraising for the goal posts.
"It's a great tool," Elmer said of the structure. "We can get our cameras higher to show them what they are doing on tape. It gives the announcers and coaches another angle."
Elmer said he hopes the press box is ready for the season opener.
"It's exciting," he said. "It's something we wanted for a long time. We want it to be a great experience for anyone coming to play on this field."
